Meph·i·stoph·e·li·an

Wicked; fiendish.

Derived from 'Mephistopheles,' meaning:

• I. A devil in medieval legend and later literary and operatic works, to whom Faust, or Faustus, sells his soul for knowledge and power.

• II. A crafty, powerful, sardonic person.

Early 19th century: Mephistopheles, an evil spirit to whom Faust, in the German legend, sold his soul.